LA Angels: After 40-Man Addition, It’s Time for Jahmai Jones to Complete His Breakout

Yesterday, in one of the busier days of the offseason, the LA Angels added Jahmai Jones to their 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft. Now, it’s up to the former second round pick to prove the team made the right investment.

For the LA Angels and their fans, the Jahmai Jones Experience has been somewhat of a rollercoaster. The prep outfielder was a high pick made by the last front office regime. While he fits the mold of “highly-athletic, power/speed” profile that Billy Eppler loves, his career thus far has been quiet.

Now, he needs to get loud.

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Jones has always had the talent to be a big league second baseman. Despite being drafted as an outfielder, the Angels’ plethora of outfield talent in their minor leagues (see Adell, Joe) pushes the Angels to love Jones to second base, where their organizational depth is shaky beyond the MLB roster.

The transition has been relatively smooth, and Jones’ status as a prospect definitely had a boost after the switch. While Jones projected as an above-average or good hitting outfielder, his offensive ceiling as a second baseman is good to great relative to the position.

Jones, 22, still has some developing to do. While he’s impressed in the lower levels of the minors, his struggles and weakness have been more prevalent when being elevated to AA. However, the tide seems to be changing for Jones.

Like other top prospect Jo Adell, Jahmai Jones absolutely tore your the Arizona Fall League this year. In 16 games, Jones was an elite hitter against some of the most talented youngsters in baseball. He slashed .302/.377/.509 during his time in Arizona, putting him as one of the top performers in the short season.

And his efforts have been noticed by the Angels. After being added to the 40-man roster, it’s time for Jones to show he is making strides towards being the stud player the Angels drafted. There may not have been a huge chance of Jones being drafted in the Rule 5 Draft, which only adds to how much the Angels value him.

Now, I’m not saying Jahmai Jones has to be on the MLB roster come Opening Day. Even if he doesn’t make the roster this season, it could still be worth protecting him. What is most important is that, no matter what level he’s at, Jones has a full season of solid production. He has shown the flashes that made the Angels draft him in 2015. Now, it’s time for Jahmai Jones to prove he’s legit.